My Experience with the Aroma Housewares 20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker
I’ve been using rice cookers for years, but I recently decided it was time for an upgrade. After some research, I settled on the Aroma Housewares 20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker, and I’ve been putting it through its paces for the last month. I wanted something versatile enough to handle different types of meals beyond just rice, and I think this cooker might be exactly what most kitchens need.
- Easy-to-use programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle
- An array of preset functions for every kind of meal: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice
- Steam meat, vegetables and more with the provided Steam Tray all while rice cooks below
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice or grains
- Sensor Logic Technology for delicious, fluffy rice and grains every time - automatically controls the internal temperature throughout the cooking cycle for optimal texture and flavor
Sleek Design
The first thing that struck me about this cooker was its surprisingly compact footprint considering its capacity. It has this clean stainless steel and black exterior that actually looks pretty nice sitting on my counter – much better than my old basic white model. The handles stay surprisingly cool during operation, which I appreciate after burning my fingers one too many times on my previous cooker. I’ve found the lid easy to clean, though sometimes water gets trapped in the vent which can be slightly annoying. What I really like is how the control panel is angled slightly upward, making it easier to read and use when the cooker is placed on a lower shelf.
Features That Actually Work
I was skeptical about all the different settings, thinking I’d probably just use the basic rice function, but I’ve found myself exploring more options than I expected. The steam tray is genuinely useful – I’ve steamed vegetables while cooking rice underneath several times, which saves time and dishwashing. The delay timer feature has been a game-changer for me; setting it up before work means coming home to perfectly cooked rice waiting for me.
One thing that impressed me was how well it handles brown rice, which my previous cooker always seemed to leave either too wet or too hard. The specialized brown rice setting actually makes a noticeable difference. I’ve also used the slow cook function for a bean stew, and while it worked well enough, I’m not sure I’d replace a dedicated slow cooker with this if you use that function frequently.
Specs Worth Knowing
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Capacity | 20 cups cooked (10 cups uncooked) |
| Functions | White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice, Slow Cook, Keep Warm |
| Delay Timer | Yes (up to 15 hours) |
| Accessories | Steam tray, rice measuring cup, serving spatula |
| Material | Stainless steel exterior, non-stick inner pot |
| Dimensions | 11.2 x 10.8 x 10.8 inches |
| Weight | About 9 pounds |
| Warranty | 1-year limited |
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Large capacity perfect for families or meal prep
- Multiple cooking functions that actually work well
- Programmable 15-hour delay timer
- The steamer function works simultaneously with rice cooking
- Keep warm function maintains food at proper temperature
- Easy to clean non-stick inner pot
- Good value for the feature set
Cons:
- Takes up considerable storage space if counter space is limited
- The beep alerts are quite loud with no volume control
- Inner pot coating seems like it might wear over extended use
- Steam can sometimes escape aggressively from the vent
- Instruction manual could be more detailed on some functions
What Other Users Are Saying
Looking through the Amazon reviews, most users seem genuinely pleased with this cooker. With over 18,000 ratings averaging 4.5 stars, it’s clear that this is a reliable product.
One reviewer mentioned, “I’ve had this for 2 years now and use it at least 3 times a week. Still works perfectly and the non-stick coating has held up well despite heavy use.”
Another user pointed out, “The capacity is perfect for our family of 5, and I love being able to cook rice and steam salmon at the same time. The delay timer is perfect for our busy weeknights.”
There are some critical reviews as well, with a few customers noting issues with the longevity of the non-stick coating after a year or two of heavy use. One said, “Started seeing small scratches in the coating after about 14 months of regular use, despite only using the provided plastic spatula.”
Who Should Buy This?
For beginners: This is an excellent choice if you’re new to rice cookers. The simple controls and multiple functions give you room to experiment, but the basic rice cooking function is straightforward enough for anyone.
For intermediate users: You’ll appreciate the versatility of this model. The different rice settings, steaming capability, and delay timer make it a valuable tool for those who cook regularly and want to expand beyond basic rice preparation.
For advanced users: While this offers good functionality, culinary enthusiasts might find themselves wanting more precise temperature controls or specialized settings. It’s a solid workhorse, but if you’re looking for high-end features like induction heating or pressure cooking capabilities, you might want something more specialized.
You Might Also Like
If you’re considering other options in the digital rice cooker space, here are some alternatives worth exploring:
Ready to Upgrade Your Kitchen?
If you’re looking for a versatile, reliable rice cooker that can handle family meals and do more than just cook rice, the Aroma Housewares 20-Cup Digital Rice Cooker is definitely worth adding to your kitchen arsenal.
- Easy-to-use programmable digital controls complete with an automatic Keep Warm mode after each cycle
- An array of preset functions for every kind of meal: White Rice, Brown Rice, Steam, Flash Rice
- Steam meat, vegetables and more with the provided Steam Tray all while rice cooks below
- Perfectly prepares 2 to 8 cups of any variety of cooked rice or grains
- Sensor Logic Technology for delicious, fluffy rice and grains every time - automatically controls the internal temperature throughout the cooking cycle for optimal texture and flavor
Last update on 2025-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
